Three Redhawks, senior Andrew Jauregui, junior Sydni Wilkins, and freshman Srishti Shetty, are leaving campus on Friday for Saturday’s Texas UIL 5A State Championship at Old Settlers Park where they compete with the state’s best. 

“The state meet is one of the biggest stages you can get to as an athlete, so in that sense alone it’s different,” coach Khera Vay said. “They’ll be running with the best individuals in the state, the pace will be faster, and they’ll have to get used to running with a pack for a longer period before the better racers break off deeper into the course.”

Coach Vay wants to see the three runners enjoy this experience but also look for any individual accomplishments that they can achieve.

“Sydni has a really good chance to maybe earn a medal and place top 10, which would be amazing to see her accomplish, for Srishti, she’s a freshman, so I really just want her to embrace this opportunity that she’s earned at such a young age because she’ll be back again in the future,” Vay said. “Andrew, he’s back and I would like to see him place higher, which I believe he’s capable of and it’ll be a great way to send him off for his last year.”

Junior Sydni Wilkins has had a star-studded season so far with multiple podium or top 10 finishes, and is looking to keep that going at her first state meet.

“My individual goal for state is just to enjoy myself and run well,“ Wilkins said. “I just want to run to the best of my ability and leave it all on the course, make it a little more competitive for all the other racers.”

Senior Andrew Jauregui, has made his way back to state after placing in the mid-60s last year, he’s trying to see if he’s improved for his last year.

“I’m trying to push for improvements and aiming to get a better time and placement,” Jauregui said. “This is my last race for high school, so I’m looking to make it a great and memorable one.”

Another runner on the rise, freshman Srishti Shetty, has made her way to state in her first attempt. 

“This is my first state meet, hopefully of many, so I want to get the lay of the land while enjoying the experience,” Shetty said. “This is a new level for Sydni and I, so getting to see what the competition holds for us is great for the future.”